This blog details some of my thoughts and aspirations relating to application packaging, compatibility and the ongoing management of applications on desktop, server and cloud platforms. I have a strong focus on the Windows desktop space, but as we progress into more and more cloud based application management, we will definitely see more posts on getting applications working
in the cloud.

Friday, 22 October 2010

Windows 7: 12 Months On

The 22nd of October 2009 represented one of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the history of desktop computing. The launch of Windows 7 promised easier, faster and more secure computing for all. And, boy oh boy, did Windows 7 deliver.

Over the past twelve months, we’ve been working with over 200 global organisations to assist them in their Windows 7 migrations and during this time, we’ve started to see a number of emerging trends.

To celebrate the anniversary of Windows 7, we’ve put together a brief Report, you can request a copy here. In the Report we look at the emerging application compatibility trends, the primary issues and give some suggestions on how organisations can best approach their Windows 7 migration.

Over the past 12 months I experienced a number of situations with organisations that have made me really think again. Here is a quick synopsis of those surprises:

Windows 7 adoption rates higher than expected being led by 64bit as the primary delivery platform

The introduction of IE8 has added another layer of complexity into the migration. Organisations need to address compatibility issues for core web applications and browser presentation and rendering issues for internal and external websites and portals.

Virtualisation has not been embraced as quickly as expected and organisations are looking towards a hybrid model of virtualised platforms to suit application capabilities

Windows 7 migration is easier than previous migrations, such as XP to Vista

Shims are not the answer to application compatibility issues

You need a level of technical expertise to fully use Microsoft’s application compatibility issue fixes

And, as you have probably seen already, we are still seeing the same top five application compatibility issues across all verticals and industry sectors including:

Windows 7 Compatibility Issue

% Apps Affected

% Fixable

Legacy Help Files

36%

100%

Windows Resource File and Registry Issues

35%

100%

UAC File Header Issues

24%

100%

Custom Action Security Issues

19%

100%

Legacy Control Panel Applet Security Issues

13%

100%

So, now that Windows 7 is a year old, has it met market expectations? In my view, Windows 7 has been a great success, with a rapid adoption rate, good industry acceptance, a stable OS, a small number of resolvable issues and delivers some great benefits such as increased security.

Given these factors and our experience to date, we estimate that at least 60% of global organisations will be have fully deployed Windows 7 in the next three years.

Stay tuned for the report - which I should be able to post in the next few days.

Note: If your browser does not display the link to the report correctly, you can find it here:

The problem with WIndows 7 is running older Microsoft apps, such as IEv6 on these desktops. You need something else. Two products that I have tried are InstallFree 7Bridge and Symantec Workplace Virtualization. Both allow you to have virtual apps, such as IEv6 or older Microsoft software that run on your Win7 desktop. You can see both products demonstrated at http://webinformant.tv with short videos.